This gadget plays fetch with your dog while you're at work

DANIEL CASTILLAS/MWN

The iFetch keeps your pup on the move.

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If you can’t keep up with your dog’s demands for yet another game of fetch, this gizmo could well save your throwing arm. The iFetch flings balls from between three to 12 meters (depending on the model) and it can even be operated by your pooch. All your dog has to do is drop the ball into the funnel and wait for it to shoot out the front. The device is powered by batteries or the mains and each model has three distance settings, which can be selected via the press of a button. Shira Klazmer, marketing manager of iFetch, explains why pets love iFetch.

Why did you create this device for dogs?

The idea for the iFetch started one afternoon when Grant Hamill was in high school and was trying to do his homework at the kitchen table. His toy poodle, Prancer, kept dropping the ball at his feet, begging him to play fetch. Twenty minutes later, with Grant growing tired of the game and Prancer as energetic as ever, Grant finally asked, “What if we made something that could throw the ball for Prancer so I can finish my homework?”

When Grant’s grandfather, Denny, heard about the idea, he said, “Why not? This could be a fun family project.” Several months later, after hundreds of hours of researching, prototyping, testing, and refining, we finally launched our Kickstarter campaign in June 2013. Thirty days and more than 1,000 backers later, we had received $88,000 — more than four times our original goal.

How does it work?

The iFetch is powered by six C batteries or by plugging it into the wall. It has three distance settings on the back that are easy to switch with just the press of a button. It can launch mini tennis balls 3, 7 or 9 meters. One ball is dropped in — either by the dog or human — at a time.

The iFetch Too is powered by a rechargeable, internal battery. It has four distance options on the back that are also easy to switch with the press of a button. It can launch standard size tennis balls 3, 7.5 or 12 meters. It also has a random setting that will launch the ball at a random distance each time.

The Frenzy requires zero power and is completely gravity-driven. One ball at a time is dropped in the top and rolls out one of the three chutes along the base at random.

Are pets enjoying iFetch?

Of course pets like iFetch! Pets who are very fetch-driven and energetic are constantly craving a game of fetch. The idea behind the original iFetch was to provide an option for pets to play fetch even when their humans are occupied or gone from the house. It’s a great option for pets while their humans are away at work or simply unavailable. However, many of our customers play the iFetch products with their pets. It creates a great bonding experience and is great for their health by encouraging exercise and movement!

Is it totally safe for dogs to use?

Our automatic ball launchers can cause harm if your pup were to stand directly in front of it when the ball launches. So just like any other electronic device that launches balls, it’s important to supervise your pup while they are first learning to play with the toy. In the same way that you wouldn’t hand a tennis ball launcher to a child without first showing them how to play safely, we encourage our customers to help their pups to learn how to use our products safely by learning to drop the ball in the funnel and then “mark” out a safe spot — out of the line of fire — for their dog.

The Frenzy is a great option for any dogs who may be skittish and scared of noises or sudden launching.